16 Tips For Cleaning Up All Those Leaves

When autumn rolls in and the trees start shedding, it feels like overnight your yard turns into a leaf carpet. And if you’re like me, the thought of spending your weekend raking and bagging isn’t exactly appealing.

But don’t worry, I’ve been through enough leaf-filled autumns to pick up a few tricks that make this task a lot easier. From smart tools to simple techniques, I’ll share how to clear your lawn without it taking over your life—so you can get back to enjoying those cozy, cool fall days.

Prep Your Yard Before Using a Blower/Vacuum

Before firing up your leaf blower or vacuum, take a quick walk through your yard to clear out any twigs, garden mulch, or landscape rocks. These can seriously damage the impeller—the part of the device that sucks up or blows out air and debris.

A clean yard means a smoother operation and less risk of breaking your equipment, which can save you from unwanted repair costs down the line.

Protect Yourself from Dust When Shredding Leaves

Shredding dry leaves can stir up a surprising amount of dust, which isn’t something you want to breathe in. To keep your lungs clear, wear a dust respirator while operating the blower/vacuum and especially when emptying the collection bag.

This simple protective measure keeps the dust out of your respiratory system and makes the whole process cleaner and healthier.

Manage Your Cord with a Smart Reel Technique

When using an electric leaf blower, managing the extension cord can be a hassle. Luckily, the handles on most models double as a perfect reel for the cord. Invest in a long enough extension cord to cover all areas of your yard.

This way, you can unroll just as much as you need, keeping the rest neatly coiled and out of the way. It’s a simple trick that prevents tangling and makes your leaf-clearing efforts much smoother.

Choose the Right Rake for Efficient Leaf Gathering

Having the right tools is the first step in effective leaf cleanup. A lot of seasoned yard warriors prefer larger rakes because they cover more area and make the job go faster. Look for rakes up to 30 inches wide at your local home center.

Another favorite is the “no-clog” rake, designed so leaves don’t stick between the tines, saving you the frustration of frequent stops to clear the rake. Both options can significantly ease the burden of leaf collection, making this chore a breeze.

Use Hearing Protection When Operating Blowers

Operating a leaf blower can be louder than you might expect, especially up close. Even if newer models are rated below 75 decibels from 50 feet away, the noise right by the machine can soar to nearly 100 decibels. That’s loud enough to cause permanent hearing damage over time.

Allow Cooling Time Before Refueling

After a session with your leaf blower or any gas-powered yard tool, take a break before refueling. Let the machine cool down for about 15 minutes. This is crucial. Refueling a hot engine can be dangerous, as the heat can ignite gas vapors, leading to a fire hazard. Patience here ensures your safety and extends the life of your equipment.

Check Your Equipment Before Starting

Here’s a quick story to remind you to double-check your equipment before tackling leaf cleanup. While using a leaf blower/vacuum, I once forgot to zip up the collection bag after setting it up. I powered on the machine, and before I knew it, mulched leaves were scattering like confetti through the kitchen where I had started the job.

The clean-up was huge, turning a simple task into a big mess. Always make sure everything is secure and in place to avoid these blower-bag mishaps!

Protect Your Hands with Leather Gloves

When you’re handling a leaf blower or any garden tool for that matter, consider slipping on a pair of leather gloves. They’re not just for avoiding blisters; they actually help reduce the vibration from the equipment that can lead to numbness and tingling in your hands and fingers.

It’s a simple step that can make a big difference in your comfort, letting you work longer and more effectively without the annoying buzz in your hands.

Clear Out Gutter Spouts Regularly

Keep an eye on your gutter spouts this fall. It’s easy to overlook, but those wet autumn leaves can quickly lead to blockages that might damage your gutters or even cause water issues around your home.

To tackle this, grab your plumber’s snake to yank out those stubborn clumps of leaves from the downspouts. It’s a straightforward task that can prevent a lot of hassle and potential damage during the rainy season.

Opt for a Mulching Mower

Ditch the rake this season and consider a mulching mower instead. These mowers are fantastic because they chop up leaves into tiny pieces that fall back onto your lawn, decomposing naturally into a nutrient-rich fertilizer.

You might need to pass over some areas more than once to get all the leaves shredded, but it’s worth it. Not only will your grass thank you for the extra nutrients, but you’ll also save time by skipping the raking altogether.

Use a Yard Vacuum for Efficient Leaf Removal

Imagine clearing leaves without the endless raking—enter the yard vacuum. Perfect for navigating around shrubs and flower beds, this tool not only sucks up leaves quickly but also minces them into manageable mulch.

Unlike traditional methods, you won’t find yourself constantly emptying the bag; a yard vac efficiently compacts a large volume of leaves, reducing the need for frequent disposal and saving you loads of time.

Maintain Clean Stone Mulch

Keeping stone mulch clean can be a bit of a challenge, especially under trees where leaves tend to accumulate. Using a leaf vacuum can be your best bet for removing debris efficiently. However, if you find that maintaining stone mulch is becoming too labor-intensive, consider switching to organic mulch.

Organic options not only require less upkeep in tree-laden areas but also allow fallen leaves and debris to blend in naturally, enhancing the soil as they decompose.

Maintain a Clean Roof

Keeping your roof free of leaves isn’t just about neatness; it’s crucial for its longevity. Use a leaf blower for lower slopes, or a roof rake for those steeper inclines. Don’t forget to trim any branches hanging over, as they can damage the shingles over time.

Tackle any mold with a soft broom and a fungicide or a diluted bleach solution—just be cautious not to harm your garden below. For a longer-term solution, consider installing zinc strips at the roof’s peak to prevent mold and moss buildup.

Install Gutter Guards

Dealing with clogged gutters can be a headache, especially during fall. Solid gutter guards are a reliable solution, keeping out leaves and debris while allowing water to flow through a narrow slot by surface tension. They fit snugly over most types of gutters, attaching with brackets and tucking under your shingles.

Although screened guards are more budget-friendly, they might not block all debris like seeds or pine needles and can complicate gutter cleaning. Depending on your situation, solid guards might be the best investment to ensure clean, free-flowing gutters.

Use a Bagster for Bulk Collection

When you’re facing a mountain of leaves, think bigger than those flimsy plastic bags. Grab a Bagster bag from your local home center or online. These sturdy, reusable giants are perfect for consolidating huge piles of leaves. Just rake your leaves directly into the bag, then tow it away in your trailer.

Not only does this save you the hassle of using multiple bags, but you also get to reuse the Bagster next season—talk about efficient!

Drag Leaves with a Tarp

Forget the back-breaking work of bagging leaves individually. Simplify your life by raking them onto a large tarp. Once you’ve got all your leaves in one place, just drag the tarp to your compost pile or wherever you dispose of yard waste.

This method is not only quick and saves on bags, but it’s also a fun way to get the kids involved. Have them help you pull the tarp, turning a tedious chore into a family activity.